Franklin Pierce was the 14th president of the United States, serving from 1853 to 1857. A northern Democrat who believed that the abolitionist movement was a fundamental threat to national unity, he alienated anti-slavery groups by signing the Kansas-Nebraska Act and enforcing the Fugitive Slave Act. Conflict between North and South continued after Pierce's presidency, and, following Abraham Lincoln's victory in the 1860 presidential election, the Southern states seceded, resulting in the American Civil War.
By the President of the United States. a proclamation. Whereas information has been received by me that an unlawful expedition has been fitted out in the State of California, with…
By the President of the United States of America. a proclamation. Whereas information has been received by me that sundry persons, citizens of the United States, and others residents therein,…
[504] *The President to Mr. McCoy, district attorney. Executive Mansion, December 26, 1855. Thomas S. McCoy, Esq., United States District Attorney, New Orleans, Louisiana: Your letter of the 18th instant,…
Mr. Pierce, President, to Captain Bigelow, United States navy-yard. Executive Mansion, January 9, 1856. Captain Abram Bigelow, United States Navy-Yard, Brooklyn, New York: Arrest and detain any vessel in the…
[543] *Message of the President of the United States, communicating to Congress information that he had ceased to hold intercourse with the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Her Majesty…